The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Let the poor breath!!!

    Let the poor breath!!!

    By Abdulrasheed Lawal Rabana

    SIR: In the history of our nation, petroleum products have suffered more adjustments in prices than electricity tariff. Unfortunately, those are the two main things that impact mostly on our lives and national economy. While the increment in petroleum products prices is always attributed to the price of crude oil at the international market and the need to curb the scarcity by encouraging the supply, increment in the electricity tariff has never had any justifiable reason and no service improvement afterwards. In fact, electricity supply has gone far worse now that the tariff has gone up by over 300%.

    One of the underlying reasons for electricity subsidy removal as unconsciously relayed by the Minister of Power is the sabotage of the system by those collecting the subsidy money to maintain assets. He said, “these are assets that we spend the country’s money on, and our brothers, part of us at all cost deliberately sabotage it. So you can see that some people are hiding somewhere that do not want this sector to work.” Just as petroleum subsidy was eliminated because government was too impotent to handle subsidy racketeers, electricity subsidy has to go at the expense of the poor masses for inability of government to tame saboteurs. $16billion of our collective wealth spent on the phantom Mambila Power Project has given us more darkness than light. The money is unaccounted for, unrecovered. When the oligarchs rob us blind, the poor masses are made to pay.

    Read Also: Yuletide transportation rebate is part of letting the poor breath

    Government has taken several decisions in the last one year akin to milking the debilitated cow for the virile buffalo. In order to win support from the poor masses, the tariff was classified and made to seem like it isn’t going to affect the poor, whereas the poor will invariably be the worse for it. Most of those on Band A tariff, who are to be paying very exorbitantly for electricity, are companies producing most of our consumables and utility items. With the high cost of electricity, their production cost will rise and consequently the cost of their products.  By the time the effects of the new electricity tariff fully manifest, almost everything that makes life meaningful will be beyond the reach of most Nigerians.

    I can’t help but wonder what exactly is left for us to benefit as citizens of this country. Nigeria is a capitalist nation where everything is commercialized and profit at the expense of the citizens is the priority. Medicare and even public education are now being run for profit. Government expounds the slogan of education for all while making education unaffordable to most Nigerians. Even the students’ loan, as badly conceived as it is, is also with interest. Those who have been in power since our democratic dispensation belong to that generation of Nigerians that the nation had been very benevolent to. They were educated for free, got paid salaries as students and given jobs on a platter of gold after graduation. This generation of people got everything from Nigeria and, unfortunately, has refused to give back. What a waste of investment Nigeria has made in them! While some countries in this same Africa hardly experience power outage in a year, our own Band A would at best experience four hours of power outage in a day. This is the ruins they have led our country to in the 21st Century.

    • Abdulrasheed Lawal Rabana Minna, Niger State.
  • Dangote refinery and future of private depots

    Dangote refinery and future of private depots

    SIR: The entry of Dangote Refinery into the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry, especially as it pertains to marketing of its Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), does not give the impression that there would be a fair playground for major players like Private Depot Operators (PDO) across the country who serve as intermediaries between refiners or suppliers and retailers. Without prejudice, building a whopping $20billion refinery is no mean feat, the Dangote Group is highly commended for demystifying what hitherto was unimaginable. Even though AGO has been fully deregulated, plus the business must recoup investments as well as make reasonable profits, the Dangote Refinery’s entry into the market seems a temporary solution to a big problem.

    First is commencing local trading with retail direct trucking, though with a minimum purchase quantity of 1million litres denominated in naira, while denominating coastal in USD ($964.59/MT) mode of payment Letter of Credit (LC) over and above $814.75 ICE price dated May 24,2024 considering the bigness and enviable position of the refinery not only in Nigeria and the states of Africa, but also in the world, given the expectation of the refinery as a panacea to Nigeria’s downstream problems as well as forex exposures and pressure insulator. Taking cognizance of the $150,000 freight charges to Apapa Jetty inherent in their PFI plus other external logistics and cost of funds, escalating $1120/Naira. Worst case scenario, this week, I computed landing cost at N1,050 to one of my client’s tank farm at Kirikiri, Lagos, based on Dangote Refinery-issued Coastal PFI, only to hear in the news that the refinery the next day had reviewed its AGO retail trucking price to N1,000/litre. Imagine what would be the fate of my client had it been he landed the product in his tank farm, likewise many Private Depot Operators. Current unfolding developments have made trading AGO a nightmare. Distortion of prices at will by the days and the minutes will not augur well for short and medium term trade planning and execution, especially in a highly volatile market like the AGO which responds in no small measures to forex fluctuations, The good news is that the government of the day recently approved naira for crude transactions for Dangote Refinery and modular refineries in the country.

    Read Also: NEITI gives Dangote Refinery guidelines

    Second, the role of Private Depot Operation (PDO) in the scheme of refined petroleum products marketing and distribution across the country cannot be overemphasized, going by their huge investments and re-investment as well as their large number and strategic locations. Even the industry leader and principal, NNPCL, makes judicious use of them for tru-put purposes. Unless Dangote Group, the NDPRA, and NNPCL factor them into the scheme of  things to come, they never stand a chance to compete favorably with the entrepreneurial beast in Dangote’s business exploits. Truth is, there’s no how on earth any or all the PDOs can ever have competitive advantage or even be at par with the Dangote Refinery in both marketing and distribution, whether or not you buy from Dangote, as their entry into the market marks the beginning of the end of importation of refined petroleum products into the country.

    Third, it is pertinent that the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) rise to the occasion in order to protect and safeguard their businesses and investments by being a force to be reckoned with, and equally have a seat on the highest table of decision-making pertaining to downstream oil and gas activities in the country – both government and private sectors. It’s on record that most of the members are overwhelmed with forex exposure liabilities to the tune of billions of naira caused by matured obligations of LC transactions that the banks and CBN were unable to circle out over the years even as they have for a very long time – some two to one year – returned naira equivalent upon completion of AGO transactions with even their profits together with their counterpart equity contributions to their respective banks as forwards to CBN, but were caught up with the recent dollar debacle. Lest we forget, even the recent much celebrated $7billion forex backlog settlement by the CBN, much as it is commendable, was done at the prevailing forex market rates as against the $460+ previous rates the various LCs were then established. Hence the magnitude of forex exposures, majority of which directly affected the DAPPMAN members as they are suffering in silence. As the Dangote refinery comes on board, the onus lies with DAPPMAN to thrive or to surrender.

    • Ibrahim Bala Mahmood ibmahmood@yahoo.com
  • Anti-corruption war and society’s failure

    Anti-corruption war and society’s failure

    SIR: Let’s begin with the profound words of Bishop Mathew Kukah, Convener of the National Peace Committee. Kukah expressed his disappointment with the performance of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, stating that the ex-governor has been a “poor advertisement” for what young people can achieve. He posited: “I feel very sad because Kogi has been on the front burner and Yahaya Bello, the governor, prided himself on being the youngest governor and being a representation of what the youths of this country can do if they are given the opportunity.”

    The big question is, have we failed as a society? Are the same youths’ examples of Betta Edu-gate and alleged criminalities of the likes of Yahaya Bello a good omen?

    Yahaya Adoza Bello, born 18 June 1975, was a politician who served as the governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024. Bello was the youngest governor in Nigeria throughout his term in office. His political career began with a loss to Abubakar Audu in the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary in 2015. Audu won the election, but died on election day; Bello was selected to replace him as party nominee and was sworn in the following year.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently dragged the former Kogi governor before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja for alleged N84billion money laundering offenses, alongside his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Sulaiman and Abdulsalam Hudu. The EFCC had previously seized $760,910.84 that Bello allegedly paid to American International School, Abuja, as fees for four children until graduation, over money laundering.

    It is difficult to definitively say what the biggest failure in modern society is, as different people perceive it differently. When you consider what society has experienced in recent years, particularly in our beloved country Nigeria, it can feel like we are spinning in circles – exhausting ourselves on a hamster wheel continuing to desperately do what we’ve always done and believe what we’ve always believed.

    Some of our greatest challenges are those we are capable of overcoming, yet within our current structures and systems, we find ourselves falling short. For example, in a system that allows Diezani Alison-Madueke to plunder and get away with billions of dollars, former Accountant-General of the Federal Idris Ahmed stole over N100 billion public fund; why would the younger elements be different?

    In this vein, there is a sense of empirically nauseating feeling of general public profligacy and corruption of etiquette – given the pitiable situations and as Nigeria languishes in debt laced with unending economic crisis, it would have been expected that state governors would cut their coat according to the cloth. But the reverse has been the case as some of the state chief executives have been leading a profligate lifestyle.

    This is a clear indication of profligacy, recklessness and corrupt tendencies of Yahaya Bello who prided himself as the youngest governor. It is appalling to say the least. As it stands today, Bello is a fugitive of the law.

    Read Also: NDIC deepens transparency with anti-corruption unit inauguration

    This is the time to demand for accountability from public office holders. It is not enough to work only on setting up democratic institutions and processes. These institutions and processes must be put to work, creating opportunities for citizens to lead healthy and productive lives. Ensuring that government actually works for the public good requires informed, organized, active and peaceful citizen participation. Citizens must, therefore, understand ideas about citizenship, politics and government.

    It is, a thing of joy that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has called on ex-Governor Bello to follow the path of decency and submit himself for probe. Fagbemi posited: “I state unequivocally that I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC and indeed any other agency to order when there is indication of any transgression of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies. But I also tenaciously hold the view that institutions of state should be allowed to function effectively and efficiently. Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection.” The likes of Yahaya Bello, Betta Edu and many others should be an example of zero tolerance for corruption of President Bola Tinubu’s era.

    • Richard Odusanya odusanyagold@gmail.com
  • On menace of thuggery in Bauchi metropolis

    On menace of thuggery in Bauchi metropolis

    By Ahmad Babangida Baba

    SIR: In Bauchi metropolis, the presence of thugs has become an alarming and pervasive issue that threatens the safety, security, and well-being of residents. From intimidating behaviors to acts of violence, the menace of thuggery has instilled fear and unrest in our neighborhoods, undermining the social fabric and impeding progress.

    In Bauchi metropolis, thuggery has far-reaching consequences. Residents live in constant fear of harassment, extortion, and physical harm, leading to a pervasive sense of insecurity and vulnerability. Businesses struggle to operate in an environment plagued by intimidation and coercion, stifling economic growth and investment. Moreover, the presence of thugs erodes trust in local authorities and undermines faith in the rule of law, further exacerbating social tensions and eroding community cohesion.

    It is imperative that urgent action be taken to address the scourge of thuggery in Bauchi metropolis. I call upon the government to prioritize this issue and implement comprehensive strategies to combat thuggery effectively. Government agencies must bolster law enforcement efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute individuals involved in thuggery. This includes deploying more police officers to patrol high-risk areas, creating a community police, conducting targeted operations to dismantle criminal networks, and implementing intelligence-led strategies to disrupt criminal activities.

    Community engagement and education: Bauchi State government authorities should engage with community leaders, residents and civil society organizations to raise awareness about the negative impacts of thuggery and promote community-based solutions. Education and outreach programs can empower residents to report criminal activities, access support services and work together to create safer neighborhoods.

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    Social intervention programs: Bauchi State government should invest in social intervention programs aimed at addressing the root causes of thuggery, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and opportunities. These programs may include job training initiatives, youth empowerment programs, and mental health support services to provide viable alternatives to a life of crime.

    Collaboration with stakeholders: Collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement authorities, community organizations, and civil society is essential to effectively tackle thuggery. By working together in a coordinated manner, stakeholders can pool resources, share information and implement holistic approaches that address the multifaceted nature of the problem.

    In conclusion, the presence of thugs in Bauchi metropolis is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and decisive action from government authorities. By prioritizing law enforcement, community engagement, social intervention, and collaboration, we can work together to reclaim our neighborhoods from the grip of thuggery and build safer, more resilient communities for all residents. It is time the government heeded the call and take meaningful steps to address this urgent challenge.

    • Ahmad Babangida Baba – Atapoly, Bauchi.

  • When governors act like messiahs

    When governors act like messiahs

    By Mustapha Baba Azare

    SIR: It is very unfortunate that today, Nigeria’s governors are competing with each other in embellishing their cities with construction of multi-billion naira flyover bridges that are said to be meant to tame the menace of traffic congestions in commercial cities. This apparent infrastructural revolution alienates many of the governors from making right decisions, prioritising greatly desired developmental projects and delivering much-needed dividends of democracy for the masses.

    Banditry, climate crisis and other insecurities have pushed thousands of women into pathetic state of widowhood in the northern part of the country and also hindered most farmers from accessing their farms. Women and girls are estimated as a half of the country’s population;. so, imagine when they are vulnerable, weak and idle due to the loss of their spouses who are responsible for their daily basic needs. Instead of wasting away funds on frivolous projects and policies, it is imperative for governors to ensure better life for these weak and helpless women and make them productive citizens in their communities and into the future.

    To be frank, feminisation of poverty has something to do with gender disparity, discrimination against women in the labor market, economic inequality and political exclusion. Pervasive poverty must be grappled with at the grassroots and state governors have fair share of the responsibility to ameliorate sufferings of citizens and stimulate socio-economic development by empowering women and girls.

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    Governors should remember that there are millions of starving and despairing out-of-school children roaming the streets of the northern region and begging food to survive. Some of them are orphans. I am certain that when these children grow up they will be asking about what today’s leaders did or didn’t do in building their future. In forthcoming years, today’s leaders will either be revered or cursed on account of either indelible achievements or irresponsibility when they will be lying in their graves. Therefore, governors are expected to use their golden opportunity they have to do their part in improving the lives of millions of the country’s out-of-school children in their states, so they will be fondly remembered and prayed for when they’re no more.

    Amidst construction of flyovers bridges, there are millions of retirees and their families facing untold plight as a result of non-payment of their benefits for many months or years. These retired civil servants, who dedicated their lives to serving their states and are mostly bedridden, hinge their lives on the pension. Non-payment of entitlements worsens their health challenges, resulting in the demise of many.

    With afore-mentioned conundrums and cumbersome challenges confronting the masses and vulnerable citizens, governors are expected to shift their attention from competition over construction of unwarranted infrastructure such as flyovers and beautification of cities and focus on human capacity building, improving people’s living standards, quality education, quality healthcare for all, job creation and security.

    To build a brighter future for our younger and unborn generations, governors have key roles to play in achievement of Sustainable Development Goals of the UN, particularly from goal 1 to 8. It is disheartening seeing how state governments are turning away from investing in human capacity building. I remember golden words of former President of Malawi, Mrs. Joyce Banda, who once said: “ The seeds of success in every nation on earth are best planted in women and children.”

    Finally, it is incumbent on governors to pull out all the stops and act like God-sent messiahs capable of salvaging democracy in the country encumbered with growing public disillusionment, pessimism and despondency by addressing widespread poverty, its genesis and all its dimensions. The menaces of poverty, severe hunger as well as youth and women unemployment are now raising the alarm over future security of their states. I remember the philosophical words of the former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, who said, “ As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.”

    • Mustapha Baba Azare, Bauchi State.

  • EFCC’s control complex

    EFCC’s control complex

    By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    SIR: Like one wants a woman and her wrapper at the same time, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) wants complete control of the anti-corruption war and its narrative. It wants to shoot and control the trajectory of the bullet all at once.

    Following the arrest of controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, by the EFCC for naira mutilation, the commission drew a sharp rebuke from Chidi Odinkalu, a professor of law and former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission.  Odinkalu, who felt that the EFCC was abandoning weighty anti-corruption issues to chase shadows, called the commission out for misplacing its priorities. The commission fired back threatening legal action against Odinkalu.

    In criticizing the Commission, Odinkalu may have lurched out on his own, but his views represented the feelings of many Nigerians. A teacher by trade, he has easily transcended the borders of the academe to become one of Nigeria’s most polished public commentators. His deft diction and keen observation deployed in dissecting topical issues affecting the country and its citizens has regularly helped to keep the government, especially the judiciary, on its toes.

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    In the high stakes of Nigerian corruption, the EFCC is a key stakeholder and not just for the fact that it is the government agency tasked with leading the fight against corruption. It is also tasked with shaping the government narrative on fighting financial and economic crimes in the country. In this role, it usually sprinkles media duties into its role and is regularly guilty of over-sweetening the pudding, betraying rusty skills in the process.

    As an agent of the government, the commission is not just desperate to fight corruption, it is desperate to be seen doing that. But its desperation does not stop at the optics of navigating the harsh anti-corruption terrain. It  regularly redesigns its desperation to cater to its media needs.

    In recoiling from the sharks ruling Nigeria’s corruption-charged waters and hounding small fries for mere misdemeanors, the commission is showing that it craves control but not confrontation. In an age where optics are conflated with optical illusions, the collateral damage to its reputation is considerable.

    It is no big deal if the commission bristles at criticism. Even the blind know that corruption blights everything in Nigeria. This sensational knowledge of a country’s struggles with corruption is especially  available to the EFCC. So it should rage at criticisms, especially those constructed on poorly rendered arguments, but it cannot  afford to block its ears when the discerning volunteer a word of advice or two. Odinkalu doesn’t need a citation or submit his curriculum vitae before the commission knows he is well-equipped to interrogate Nigeria.

    In rebuking Odinkalu, the commission called up a familiar stereotype of what a Nigerian public officer, serving or past, should be: demure, deferring to, and defensive of every government policy no matter how offensive. The implicit reasoning in this thought is the grave but unspoken admonition that to do otherwise would be to bite the fingers that fed them. The commission clearly implied this.

    It is not unusual for governments or its agencies to be disquieted by criticism, especially when it is coming from those who should know better than publicly discussing private matters. Yet, if the lines between the persona of a private citizen and that of a past public officer is blurred in defense of the country, is it such a bad thing? It is even noble in a country where impunity is the ink with which many government agencies write.

    It is not just Odinkalu who feels that the commission despite bagging a Pyrrhic victory, majored in the minor. Many believe Bobrisky was prosecuted not for who he is or what he did but for whom he has become.

    The commission rather than join issues with Odinkalu should show that it was not merely window-dressing over a cross-dresser. It should show that it is willing to cross swords with Nigeria’s more influential suspects. It is dangerous for selective amnesia to be in such abundant supply in a sensitive agency of government.

    Fighting corruption invariably makes the news. Every invitation, arrest and prosecution by the commission is bound to draw attention, given the sensitive nature  the responsibility given to it by law. But it does not mean that the commission can be reckless or fail to choose its battles wisely.

    In discharging its responsibility, the commission must show more rigor both in its operations and optics, so that it will save what it can from its rapidly receding

    • Ike Willie-Nwobu, ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • How to end school abductions

    How to end school abductions

    By Dr. Fatima Akilu

    SIR: As the world marks a decade since the Chibok abductions, the deafening silence from the international community reverberates louder than ever. In Nigeria, school abductions have become a grim reality, a terrifying routine that threatens the very foundation of our society. Yet, despite the outcry from within our borders, the global response remains woefully inadequate, condemning a generation of Nigerian youth to a fate of fear, trauma, and lost opportunities.

    Let there be no mistake: the crisis of school abductions in Nigeria is not a domestic issue to be brushed aside. It is a humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions, demanding urgent and concerted action from the international community. Every abduction is a stain on the collective conscience of humanity, a betrayal of our shared commitment to safeguard the rights and dignity of children everywhere.

    The root causes of this crisis are well-documented: poverty, conflict, corruption, and a culture of impunity that allows criminal networks to thrive unchecked. Yet, while Nigeria grapples with these systemic challenges, the world looks on with indifference, offering little more than token gestures of solidarity while turning a blind eye to the suffering of millions.

    Diplomatic niceties and diplomatic platitudes are not enough. We demand concrete action from the international community to support Nigeria’s efforts to combat school abductions. This means providing tangible assistance, including intelligence-sharing, logistical support, and financial resources to strengthen security measures and prevent future abductions.

    Multilateral cooperation is essential in addressing the transnational nature of this crisis. Countries must put aside their differences and work together to dismantle the criminal networks that profit from the abduction and trafficking of children. We cannot allow borders to be barriers to justice; the perpetrators of these heinous crimes must be pursued and brought to account wherever they may hide.

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    Humanitarian assistance is urgently needed to support the victims and survivors of school abductions. The international community must step up and provide funding for medical and psychological care, educational programs, and livelihood support to help affected communities rebuild their shattered lives. Anything less is a betrayal of our shared humanity.

    Pressure and accountability are non-negotiable. We call upon the international community to hold Nigerian authorities accountable for their failure to protect the rights and safety of our children. No more excuses, no more empty promises—only concrete action will suffice.

    Global advocacy campaigns are essential in raising awareness and mobilizing action. We urge international human rights organizations, NGOs, and advocacy groups to join forces with Nigeria in demanding an end to school abductions. Together, we can amplify our voices and compel the world to take notice.

    The time for silence is over. The time for action is now. As we reflect on the tenth anniversary of the Chibok abductions, let us vow to never again allow such atrocities on our watch. The world’s silence is complicit; it is time to break that silence and stand in solidarity with the children of Nigeria. Their futures depend on it.

    • Dr Fatima Akilu, trained Psychologist and  the Executive Director of Neem Foundation.

  • Kaduna assembly and El-rufai probe

    Kaduna assembly and El-rufai probe

    By Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua

    SIR: The political cold war between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-rufai and incumbent Governor Uba Sani has taken another interesting dimension with the Kaduna State House of Assembly constituting a 13-member committee to probe financial dealings, loans, grants and project implementation from 2015 to 2023 under the ex-governor.

    Recall that last month, during a town hall meeting with stakeholders, Governor Sani made a shocking revelation on the financial position of the state. He said he inherited a huge debt totalling $587million and N85billion, besides 115 contractual liabilities from the previous administration, making it difficult for him to pay workers’ salaries. He explained that N7billion out of the N10billion federal allocation due to the state in the month of March was deducted to service the debt.

    The disclosure about the state’s public debt had pitched the camp of former governor against the present government, leading to war by proxies.  Maryam mai Rusau, an ally and staunch supporter of El-rufai, had to pay the price for daring the governor. In an interview she granted to the media, she accused Governor Sani of biting the fingers that feed him. Maryam was later suspended by the state’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).  Bashir El-rufai, a son of the ex-governor, fired salvos describing Sani as incompetent and surrounded by incompetent aides. Another El-rufai ally, Aisha Galadima, was arrested by the DSS for allegedly posting incriminating views against Sani on social media in February. She was later released.

    Sani’s outburst over the state’s indebtedness and the controversy it generated will shape the politics of the state in the coming days. Meanwhile, the state assembly’s decision to probe the last administration is nothing but an attempt to shift loyalty to the present government. When the last administration was using the loans and grants to implement infrastructural development, or diverting the funds as they want us to believe, none among them raised the alarm or called El-rufai to order. Some members of the assembly including the Speaker are not first timers, they served in the 9th assembly and failed to check El-rufai throughout his 8-year tenure in line with the doctrine of check and balances enshrined in the Constitution.

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      The lawmakers, who were merely rubber stamp during El-rufai’s administration, suddenly found their voices after he left office. This is double standard and treachery. While the lawmakers may probe the former governor, summon his officials and contractors to clarify issues, they undermined themselves by not carrying out their oversight legislative duty during the last administration. Unless the assembly is acting the script of the current governor, they should have known that he was complicit in the state’s indebtedness. As chairman of Senate committee on finance in the 9th assembly, Sani helped the ex-governor to get the loans. Therefore, he is fully aware of the state’s loans; the handover notes also explicitly stated the assets and liabilities of the state. What is the furore and fuss?

    Though the ex-governor boasted he never stole a kobo from the loans and pointed out to doubting Thomases some projects he executed with the funds, he needs to come and prove his innocence. As for the state assembly, it needs to tarry awhile and do what is expected of it at the right time. If members had exercised their constitutional right, and requested the ex-governor to explain how he spent the loans and other financial dealings during his tenure, they would have saved the state from the present political feud.

    • Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, imustapha650@gmail.com

  • Issues and challenges facing Nigeria

    Issues and challenges facing Nigeria

    By Lekan Iyiola

    SIR: Nigeria is a multi-cultural and ethnically diverse federation of 36  states and the Federal Capital Territory. It is being dominated by the ruling All Progressive Party (APC) which controls the executive arm of government and holds majority seats at both the Senate and House of Representatives in Parliament and Majority of the states.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged as the winner of the 2023 Presidential Election and was sworn into office on May 29, 2023. Nigeria continues to face so many challenges, both social and economic challenges that include insecurity such as banditry and kidnappings, especially in the Northeast region, and separatist agitations in the Southeast. President Tinubu has continuously pledged to turn around the economy and ensure security across the country.

    Nigerians are facing one of the West African’s nation’s worst economic crisis in years triggered by surging inflation, the result of monetary policies that have pushed the currency to an all-time low against the dollar. The situation has provoked anger and protests across the country. This has caused a lot of harm than good to the citizens whereby there’s persistent increase in the prize of everything and it has led to economic hardships. Citizens are lamenting because of the high increase in dollar exchange rate and this has made life unbearable for the average citizens due to the high cost of living.

    Poverty levels are projected to increase to 38.8% in 2024. Despite the low unemployment rate in the country, low consumer spending and purchasing power remains an issue, especially in the absence of commensurate increase in minimum wage to mitigate the inflationary growth in the economy.

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    Between 2000 and 2014, Nigerian’s economy experienced broad-based and sustained growth of over 7 percent annually on average, benefitting from favorable global conditions and macroeconomic and first-stage structural reforms. From 2015 to 2022, however, growth rate decreased and GDP per capita flattered, driven by monetary and exchange rate policy distortions, increasing fiscal deficits due to lower oil production and a costly fuel subsidy program, increased trade protectionism, and external shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Weakened economic fundamentals led the country’s inflation to reach a 24-year high of 31.7 percent in February 2024, which in combination with sluggish growth has pushed millions of Nigerians into poverty.

    As a result, poverty rate is expected to increase in 2024 and 2025 before stabilizing in 2026. Risks to Nigeria’s outlook are substantial, especially if reforms lose momentum or are reversed. The risks include relatively weak monetary policy, tightening failure to address imbalances in petrol pricing and to raise non-oil revenues. Risking insecurity adverse climate shocks and popular discontent with inflation would also dent economic recovery.

    Despite having the largest economy and population in Africa, Nigeria offers limited opportunities to most its citizens. Nigerians born in 2020 are expected to be future workers 36 percent as productive as they could be if they had full access to education and health, the 7th lowest human capital index in the world. Weak job creation and entrepreneurial prospects stifle the absorption of the 3.5 million Nigerians entering the labor force every year, and many workers choose to emigrate in search of better opportunities. The poverty rate is estimated to have reached 38.9 percent in 2023, with an estimated 37 million Nigerians living below the poverty line – the world’s second – largest poor population after India.

    There are so many current issues and challenges facing Nigerians. The likes of corruption, insecurity, national unity, and regional identity. Nigeria in recent times has recorded so many security challenges such as Boko Haram Terrorists attacks, militancy, armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, herders-farmers clashes, cultism among other social vices.

    These have caused many lives to be endangered and have also made people to lose their loved ones, their hard earned money and valuable goods. Due to insecurity and economic degradation, Nigeria is yet to witness positive growth in all aspect. Citizens are complaining of lack of insecurity in the country, inflation (persistent increase in price), inadequate infrastructural facilities, lack of access to good water, good roads and good standard of living, lack of education, lack of good roads and health care center etc. all these have made citizens to be vulnerable because of lack of good access of living and it has caused more harm than good whereby people living and in aspect poverty especially average Nigerians and it has caused a lot of loss of lives due to hunger.

    The administration of President Tinubu is working to bring growth and development to the country, to make sure everything is in order and every citizens enjoy same benefits and are not deprive of individual rights.

    • Lekan Iyiola, Lagos

  • Which northern elders is Mafara speaking for?

    Which northern elders is Mafara speaking for?

    By Deyemi Saka

    Some few weeks ago, it was widely reported that “the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed regrets and sadness that the region voted for President Bola Tinubu in 2023”. 

    In the said report, it was further claimed that; “the region will prioritize unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the highest office in the land.”

    This claims were made by Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, spokesman of the forum, on the strength that the president got the highest number of votes from the region among the three leading contestants at the last presidential election, and also because the region gave him the highest votes compared to other regions. 

    It is safe to say the bloated sense of entitlement, importance and obvious demonstration of poor education of nationhood was rejected, and wholesomely condemned by the region with the most appropriate response coming from the current Honourable Minister of State for Defence, HE. Bello Muhammed Matawalle. He described the group of “elders” as a burden to the region and paperweights.  

    In the wave of condemnation and denouncing of the group’s stance, an official statement was released by the group disowning the earlier report and in its denial, one will see a sense of patriotic duty and commitment to nation building and repairs.

    In the newly released statement, it was stated that; “The attention of NEF has been drawn to a statement credited to the forum by media – that the North regrets voting for President Bola Tinubu.

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    “NEF wishes to distance itself from the statement as it did not emanate from the Forum as it is the opinion of the person in his personal capacity and not that of NEF.

    “Thus, the statement credited to NEF does not reflect the position of the Forum as it has never sat and assessed performance or non-performance of Tinubu administration.

    “Similarly, NEF has never discussed, in any time, the politics of 2027, nor has it deliberated on who to support or not to support on such issues.

    “The NEF considers it too early to be engaged in such distractions when NEF, like most Nigerians, are demanding good governance and dividends of democracy.

    “NEF, for now prefers to, focus on advocating for what improves the northern region and Nigeria as a whole.

    “The NEF charges leaders to always verify and authenticate information and treat issues within their specific contexts before making public pronouncements.” 

    To all rational minds, the new statement issued by the NEF has laid the matter to rest, and this is why the recent attempt by Senator Kabiru Marafa to resurrect a dead issue is an obvious act of mischief, an effort to seek relevance, and a projection of an obscured profile into national consciousness. 

    In his (Marafa) feeble attempt at his image revival, he claimed the minister was out of order for negatively portraying the northern elders, and ought to have listed the achievements, programmes, and policies, projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the north and the country as a whole in the first 10 months of the administration. 

    It is highly hypocrital that many who either lost their voice or never had it in the eight years of Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency which never dignified the live of an average northerner or interested in improving their lives through purposeful and productive leadership are now blasting like a hot furnace because the present occupier of the highest office of the land is not from their region? For how long does the North play such primitive politics? 

    It is also noteworthy to educate Senator Marafa and his co-travellers that the North alone didn’t make Asiwaju Bola Tinubu the president, and no single region can make or mar a political ambition. Our constitution made it so. 

    To also claim the North has a culture of not “disrespecting” their elders, I’d love Marafa to know that it is not only peculiar to the North, it is a common age long cultural practice among all regions and Africa. What is also a cultural practice is always speaking the truth and standing by the truth irrespective of whose ox is gored. The sustained tradition of hounding people to silence in a bid to sustain the status quo which has made the region underdeveloped with high level of poverty and illiteracy by elevating selfish politicians to the status of celestial beings is what HE Matawalle  confronted and decisively dealt with. 

    This is the height of mischief as he attempts to project himself to be on the side of the people.  I believe any and every good student of history will and should never take this media stunt by Marafa seriously or see it as an altruistic action. We are all living witnesses to how he denied his party, APC, the governorship of Zamfara State in 2019 on the altar of insatiable personal ambition. His relentless litigation in his pursuit of his selfish political agenda saw to the People’s Democratic Party and HE Bello Matawalle get into office. He was going to do the same, and there is a strong assertion among the people of Zamfara that his rising unpopularity and his greed cost the party the All Progressive Congress the governorship of Zamfara State in 2023.

    Deyemi Saka is a public affairs analyst and PR Consultant